12:00 PM,
Jan. 14, 2014

St. John's University senior Rafael Diaz, from Rockaway, makes a save.

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Rafael Diaz has wanted to be a professional soccer player almost as long as he's been in the game. He may start his new career this week.

A senior goalkeeper at St. John's University, Diaz has spent much of the week at Major League Soccer's annual combine in Lauderhill, Fla. Diaz is the only player from New Jersey, and one of just six goalkeepers, among the 85 invitees.

Diaz played the full 90 minutes for Nitro Charge in a 4-1 loss to Predator on Friday, the team's first game together. The squad settled considerably in time for a 1-1 draw with adiZero on Sunday. Diaz only watched that game, while John ...